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Inside... November 2018
Welcome to CITYLIFE
Welcome to CITYLIFE in Rugeley, a monthly magazine bringing you our pick of the area’s news, events and stories. Each month CITYLIFE in Rugeley is delivered to 11,000 businesses and homes in Rugeley, Ravenhill, Etchinghill, Slitting Mill, Armitage, Handsacre, Colton, Hill Ridware and Hamstall Ridware, completely free of charge; bringing you the best that the area has to offer. Each issue features heritage stories exploring the rich history of our area, plus competitions, interviews and the latest in fashion and style. Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the region? We want to hear from you!
5 The Ripples of War By Joss Musgrove Knibb
8 The Fallen of Rugeley By Jono Oates
12 Tastes of the Season By Simon Smith
14 Window on the Past Reading Room
26 Finding a Forever Home By Rugeley Welfare for Dogs
30 Perfect Christmas Gifts Just for Him Our pick of great Christmas gifts
CITYLIFE Contacts Editor - Joss Musgrove Knibb 07833 735048
josscitylife@gmail.com
Features - Jono Oates 07785 757201 jonocitylife@gmail.com Advertising-
Steve Brown 07740 166497 stevebrowncitylife@gmail.com Rebecca Hill 07970 513144 rebeccahillcitylife@gmail.com Den Adams 07581 021203 dencitylife@gmail.com Production - Helen Smith 07967 154187 helencitylife@gmail.com Citylife In Lichfield Ltd PO Box 7126 LICHFIELD WS14 4JS CITYLIFE in Lichfield and CITYLIFE in Rugeley magazines are not connected to any other publication or publisher, and are wholly owned by CITYLIFE in Lichfield Ltd. Citylife In Rugeley
Citylife in Rugeley does not endorse any business or organisation appearing in these pages, and the publication of any advertisement, editorial, event listing or advertising editorial does not constitute an endorsement by Citylife in Rugeley or Citylife in Lichfield Ltd.
The ripples of war
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ere, editor of Citylife magazines, Joss Musgrove Knibb, explores the legacy of war and what it means for us today…
Many of us have spoken to someone who fought in the last world war. Some of us may even have lived through it, even if we were little children at the time. Now, in 2018, the second and first world wars can seem so very long ago, but I suspect the ripples of these conflicts are still being felt – changing family dynamics and the way we view our world.
When I was a child in the 1970s my grandfather was still alive. He had fought in WW1, enlisting with his brother’s birth certificate as in 1917 he was underage. His time in the trenches ended when he was hit by
shrapnel from an exploding bomb, some of which was still lodged in his bicep all those decades later. He would sometimes show us grandchildren the ball-bearing embedded in his muscle as a ghoulish treat.
My grandfather drank, and became a violent bully towards his wife and children – a result of his time at war. The ripples of this could have been terrible, passing along that tendency to violence from generation to generation. In actuality my grandfather’s children decided to end the psychological legacy of war with them, by simply making the decision to be kind people and good parents, in a peaceful world bought at the price of the sanity of young men like my grandfather. In this instance, the aftershock of war was turned into a family legacy of kindness, one that I have personally benefitted from.
As we approach the commemorations of the centenary of the Great War, I’d like to explore some of this extraordinary conflict’s legacy of kindness - small acts of mercy that changed the world.
Follow me back 100 years to the trenches of France. It’s breakfast-time. Young men are stretching after a long night, standing so that their heads are above the trench wall. Men are
lighting cigarettes, sharing food parcels, brewing up tea. There is not a shot fired. Both sides are taking a brief respite from war to drink tea and smoke a fag. When breakfast is over the business of war will start again, but everybody needs a break.
These little breakfast truces happened all over the Front, not every day and not everywhere, but enough to set ripples travelling across time that are impacting you and I today. How many men might have died in the minutes that these little truces took up? How many of the people that you know and love might simply not be here if it wasn’t for tired men, ignoring the demands of war for a few minutes? So many grandfathers lost, so many greatgrandchildren never even born.
So, at a time when we honour the dead of war, who died to give us space to live, let’s also honour every single act of kindness made by warriors who, by rights, should no longer have had the capacity to be kind. The fact that their humanity survived a mechanised war is, I think, an amazing thing. We will remember them all.
Joss Musgrove Knibb
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Cannock and District Ladies Probus
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By Jill Gooch
ctober brought celebrations for Cannock and District Ladies Probus on their 25th Silver Anniversary with a Birthday Lunch at the Chase Golf Club. Chairman Sheila was delighted to acknowledge several founder members from 1993 who still belong to the Club, and were recognised for their contribution with a presentation of flowers which had been beautifully arranged by former Chairman Joyce in individual vases. All members, and prospective new members Gill and Jennifer, were also treated to gifts chosen by Sheila of sparkly notebooks and pens to commemorate the event. Following an appetising meal, members were entertained by Derek Gilkes, who read his own poetic views on life in ‘Odes of Life and Laughter’ which included ‘Monster Muscles’ and ‘Has the world gone to pot?’
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The next meeting will be on November 1st 2018, with the speaker Kenneth Ballantyne who will ‘Look Back at Britain 19141945’. Meetings are held at The Chase Golf and Country Club on the first Thursday of the month at 12 noon. Guests and prospective new members are welcome. For further information contact membership secretary 07801 370935 and www.probusonline.org
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The Fallen of Rugeley By Jono Oates
n Sunday 11 November at 11am the town of Rugeley will fall silent as it remembers the names of the Fallen, the Rugeley men who gave their lives for their King and Country during war. This year represents the centenary of the end of the First World War and here, our features writer, Jono Oates, looks at the stories of some of the 119 men who are listed on the Rugeley War Memorial in Anson Street. Second-Lieutenant Walter Harry Whitehurst was the younger son of Rugeley Police Inspector Walter Whitehurst who was based at the Anson Street Police Station. Walter Jnr had been educated at Rugeley Grammar School and then the Westminster College of Pharmacy, where he trained to become a chemist, working at Averill’s Chemists on Market Square and also in Kent. He was gazetted to the Third Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment and died on 24 April 1917, his body was never recovered and he is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Calais. His elder brother, Second-Lieutenant Charles Whitehurst was captured and held in a prisoner-of-war camp in Germany, originally believed to be dead he survived the war. Sergeant Thomas Edward Wood was one of the sons of Frederick Wood, a printer and stationer whose home was on Market Square, next to Averill’s Chemists where Walter Whitehurst had been employed. Thomas served in the Old Pals Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and, just before he was killed, had been recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal for demonstrating bravery under fire whilst rescuing an officer. He was killed on 23 July 1916, aged 35, and is commemorated at
the Thiepval Memorial at the Somme. Sergeant Frank Wallbank of the North Staffordshire Regiment, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for rescuing two of his comrades from an exploded mine in September 1915. A few weeks later he was killed during an attack by British forces on the Hohenzollern Redoubt near Loos. He was the only son of Francis and Mary Wallbank of Lion Street and before the war had been a coalminer. He had been a senior officer in the Ancient Order of the Foresters, a Friendly Freemason Society, and was also a member of the Congregational Pleasant Sunday Afternoon movement. He is commemorated at the Loos Memorial, Pas de Calais. Thomas Henry Parker, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was from a large family who lived on the Horse Fair, and in 1911 he was living with his grandparents on Green Lane. Before the war he was employed as a postman and in 1912 he joined the Birmingham Constabulary as a police officer. When the war broke out he and 70 of his fellow police officers enlisted in the army. He was killed on 6 November 1916 when he was struck by a sniper’s bullet while distributing provisions to fellow soldiers in a trench during the Somme Offensive. His body was originally listed as missing but was found and he is buried in the London Cemetery at Longueval, the Somme. These are the stories of just four of the 119 men who gave their lives for their King and Country and whose names are listed on the memorial. They were all heroes and the town of Rugeley will pay their respects to them on 11 November at 11am. Lest We Forget Sources: The British Newspaper Archive; Commonwealth War Graves Commission website; War Memorials Online website; Ancestry.co.uk
Got a story or charity event you want to share with our readership? Think you’ve snapped an image that captures the spirit of the region? We want to hear from you! Contact Citylife at josscitylife@gmail.com
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Our Local War Memorials
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By Harry Thornton
ere, in part two of his feature on local war memorials, Harry Thornton, a member of the Landor (Local History) Society, looks at the Armitage with Handsacre, Brereton and Ridwares memorials and the stories behind their creation.
The Armitage with Handsacre memorial was provided by public subscription and erected on donated land at the top corner of Boathouses Lane. It was unveiled in February 1920 by Brigadier-General Stewart DSO, and dedicated by the Rev. Edward Samson whose only son is among those named on the memorial. Made of sandstone the memorial has a large square upper plinth with 46 WW1 names set in recessed panels, above this is a tall column with the upper part forming a crucifix. In 1968 it was moved to its present more accessible position alongside New Road on land given by the local pottery, and in 2015 it was ‘listed’ Grade II.
The Brereton memorial was the work of Messrs Robert Bridgeman & Sons of Lichfield, as were the other outdoor memorials already mentioned. It is of Cornish granite and bears the names of 19 local men who died in WW1. During a service conducted by the Brereton clergy on 12th November 1922 the memorial was unveiled by Col. W.A. Wetherall and afterwards handed over to the parish council by Dr. W. Hulse PhD BSc (manager of the local colliery) and accepted by Col. Wetherall, as vice-chairman of the council. Wreaths were laid by many individuals and local organisations and the band of the Rugeley Territorial Company added to the occasion. In 1929, Col. Wetherall (1847-1935), a son of Brereton’s first vicar, who was then living in Rugeley, gave £100 to create a trust to provide income to maintain the memorial. In 1969 Rugeley Council took over the maintenance and received £2.50 annually from the trust and Cannock Chase Council was still receiving £2.50 in 1984 but by then the fund had only £51.41 in the bank.
Although 19 WW1 names appear on the Brereton war memorial, 36 names are on a 1914-1918 ‘Roll of Honour’ in Brereton church. The reason being that the war memorial only covered the civil parish which before 1934 only extended to Garden Drive, whereas the church parish extended to the railway bridges. For the same reason there are 15 names on Rugeley’s war memorial which are on the Roll of Honour at Brereton.
The Ridware villages have two WW1 war memorials, one at Mavesyn Ridware church and another in Hamstall Ridware church. 10
More chances to enjoy Wildlings at Wolseley
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taffordshire Wildlife Trust is offering youngsters additional chances to sign up and take part in its Wildlings sessions at its Wolseley Centre headquarters, near Rugeley.
Wildlings sessions give children, aged from six months to five years old, the chance to play and explore nature in the centre’s outdoor classroom, uninterrupted by adults.
The Trust – the county’s largest nature conservation charity – is set to run afternoon Wildlings on the first Friday of each month, starting on Friday 2nd November between 1.30pm-3pm.
Weekend Wildlings sessions are also being introduced and are now underway, taking place on the third Sunday of the month.
These sessions are being held in addition to the regular weekly Wildlings which take place every Friday at Wolseley between 10.30am-12pm.
Aimee Burrows, Wildchild Officer for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, said: “It has been great to see our Wildlings sessions prove so popular since they were launched in 2017.
“Throughout the summer, Wildlings has sold out and we’ve been told by plenty of parents that it would be nice if we could do afternoon and weekend sessions too, as their children attend nursery in the morning so can’t attend.”
The cost is £5 per child and £3 per additional sibling. Places can be booked online via www.staffswildlife.org.uk/Whats-On
For more information call 01889 880100 or email Aimee Burrows – a.burrows@staffs-wildlife.org.uk
Wildlings sessions also take place at other various locations across the county, including Hem Heath Woods nature reserve, Stoke-on-Trent, Highgate Common nature reserve, Wombourne and The Roaches, near Leek. Check the online What’s On to find out dates and locations.
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Tastes of the Season
Here, Chef Simon Smith explores two dishes that are a delicious way to celebrate the tastes of the season. Autumn is now upon us and with that the chutney and jam makers will be stirring their pans, using the fallen fruits from their gardens or blackberries foraged from the hedgerows. It’s such a lovely thing to do and there’s nothing like a slice of English cheese with your own homemade chutney.
We have some wonderful ingredients here in the UK, but my travels also allow me to enjoy the ingredients available in far-flung places. I have just returned from working for a private group in Marbella where I was very impressed with the quality and variety of food in the local supermarkets.
The counters were bursting with different ingredients such as razor clams, fresh crayfish, whole octopus, whole rabbit and pork cheeks. If you enjoy cooking or just looking at ingredients Marbella is a lovely place to go for inspiration. The baked Spanish style cod recipe below is one born out of such a shopping trip and served to the group who were keen to come back for more and try it at home having seen how easy it was. The autumn salad recipe is a wonderful way to use pears that are coming to the peak of perfection in our gardens at home.
This easy and hearty recipe can be prepared the day before ready to just pop in the oven. If you do that remember to cover in food-wrap so the garlic won’t make the fridge smell. I would serve this with mashed potatoes and some roast baby sweetcorn.
You will need: 4 cod loin portions 8 slices Chorizo sausage 4 artichoke hearts 32 cherry tomatoes 4ozs grated Manchego cheese (or mature cheddar) 1 clove garlic Olive oil Flat parsley
These two dishes celebrate the best of home and abroad. I hope you enjoy them.
Method Wipe the bottom of an oven-proof dish with olive oil. Crush or finely dice the garlic clove and sprinkle half on to the bottom of the dish. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and scatter on the bottom of the dish. Lay the cod loins on the dish and sprinkle with the rest of the garlic. Slice the chorizo into thin strips and lay on top of the cod loin. Slice the artichoke hearts into quarters and put on top of the cod loin. Then sprinkle everything with grated cheddar. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 for 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the cod.
Baked Spanish Style Cod
Autumn Salad
You will need: 2 ripe pears 6ozs Stilton cheese
24 walnut or pecan halves 1 bag mixed salad 1 ciabatta loaf or rosemary focaccia Olive oil
Method Slice the pears 1cm thick from top to bottom starting in the middle of the pear (you can see exactly how in the photo). Take two slices from each pear and set aside. Finely dice the rest of the pear. Cut a hole in the centre of each of the two pear slices to remove the core. Cut a circle of Stilton using the same cutter and fill the hole in the pear with the circle of Stilton. Crumble the rest of the Stilton and mix with the diced pear. Slice the bread, brush with a little olive oil and toast under the grill or simply warm through the oven. Place the salad leaves and diced pear and Stilton on a plate and drizzle with olive oil. Stand the sliced pear portions upright and lay the nut halves around the plate. Simon Smith runs a catering business from his production kitchen in Lichfield, providing bespoke private dinners plus wedding, corporate and event catering. Simon also undertakes cookery demonstrations around the country and with local businesses such as Arthur Price and Tippers. If you are looking for catering or a day of cookery skills go to www.simonsmith-chef.com
Please take extra care when preparing foods and handling hot foodstuffs. Go to www.food.gov.uk for further details. Food preparation is undertaken at your own risk. Please note fish may contain bones.
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This autumn salad adds an autumnal twist to a light and vibrant dish.
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A Window on the Past
Reading Room
When what we think of as public, lending libraries first opened in the 19th century, there were some members of society who thought that it would lead to the downfall of the status quo. What would happen if ordinary working men and women were able to read Shakespeare, Plato, Voltaire and Marx, completely free of charge? What would the effect of so much knowledge be and more importantly would it lead working people to demand better treatment from their employees and government? On the other hand, would free access to books promote sober habits and keep people out of the pub? Libraries, in short, were socially revolutionary places.
Here, The Landor (local history) Society explores libraries in Rugeley – long may they flourish.
Staffordshire County Library Service opened a centre in an upstairs room in the Town Hall in Rugeley in 1931, with a stock of 500 books. In late 1943 it moved to shop premises in Brook Square, sharing accommodation with the Youth Employment Bureau. The move allowed longer opening hours with around 4000 books, but was still inadequate for a growing town. In October 1960 the long-awaited full-time branch opened in Anson Street, on the site of the old Palace Theatre.
For earlier generations Rugeley Free Library (later renamed Rugeley Jubilee Library) opened in 1887 housed in the British Workman Club in Bow Street. In the same period, Rugeley residents also had access to the library provided by the Rugeley Reading and Recreation Rooms. This was open every weekday from 8:30am to 10pm. Members paid 1s 6d a quarter. At the corner of Brook Square and Upper Brook Street was the circulating library, newsagents and stationers run by Pascoe’s, the jobbing printers, from the late 1800s to at least the 1930s.
1. Mr N Rawlins’ membership application for Rugeley Free Library, Christmas 1887.
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2. 18 new books were added to Pascoe’s Circulation Library in April 1891. 3. The 1912 catalogue for Rugeley Jubilee Library, when it had a stock of over 2000 books. 4. The County Library’s part-time branch in Brook Square. From 1943 it was in the shop in the two storey building. Some dozen years later it moved to two upstairs rooms in the three-storey building. 5. Rugeley’s full-time library opened in Anson Street on October 1960. 6. Rugeley library in 1997, after pedestrianisation. The bus shelter has been removed and the original steps replaced by a ramp and steps. 7. Brereton Library, in Main Road, opened in July 1960, three months before Rugeley Library. It closed in December 2006, re-opening in a new building attached to Redbrook Hayes Primary School.
The Landor Society is a focus for those who wish to learn more about the history of Rugeley and its surrounding parishes. It was founded in 1953 and was named in honour of Walter Noble Landor, local and county historian, who became the Society’s first President. More information is available at www.landor-localhistorysociety-rugeley.btck.co.uk
Continued on page 16
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Council approves CCTV investment in the District
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annock Chase Council’s Cabinet has approved an investment of £55k into the District’s CCTV. There are 91 cameras across the District which were installed in 1998, and following a full audit review 26 have been identified as in need of essential replacement.
Across the District CCTV cameras record images continuously 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. CCTV is a deterrent to crime and with systems such as the Council’s, CCTV footage is frequently utilized by the police and can result in the perpetrators of crime being brought to justice.
Councillor Carl Bennett, Portfolio Leader for Crime and Partnerships said “I am delighted that Cabinet have agreed this report. CCTV cameras are an essential deterrent in our town centres to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour as well as improving police and licensee liaison.”
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Cycle Challenge for Mental Health O
n Saturday 20th October between 12pm and 4pm, St Augustine’s church, Rugeley and friends have organised a Cycle Challenge for Mental Health outside Tesco in Rugeley. The event has corporate support from the main sponsor Attridge Scaffolding along with Tesco Rugeley, Rugeley Leisure Centre, Traders Vehicle Delivery, Salford Van Hire and Palletways UK Ltd. Individuals, as well as a number of teams from the local area, will utilise 12 spinning bikes kindly provided by Rugeley Leisure Centre and cycle for four hours aiming to achieve a distance of some 700 miles. Amanda Milling MP for Cannock Chase will also be adding some miles to the total by taking part herself, as will Bishop of Wolverhampton, Rt Revd Clive Gregory. The Team Rector of the Brereton, Rugeley
My Month
in Parliament
By Amanda Milling MP
I am now back in Westminster following the Conference Recess. When not in Birmingham for Conference I was able to spend time in the constituency attending events, meeting local businesses and visiting schools. This included visiting the Amazon fulfilment centre where I met with the General Manager to understand the preventative measures that they are implementing to manage the seasonal uplift in staff in the run up to Christmas. I also visited Rugeley’s Access Covers who were recently awarded Small Business of the Year at Staffordshire Chambers Business Awards – a huge congratulations to all of the team on winning this award. I was also delighted to pop along to Rugeley’s Gymophobics, an award winning ladies only gym to meet the team and the gym members and talk about a range of
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and Armitage Team Ministry, Rev Dr David Evans hopes that with the support from local businesses, individuals and teams of cyclists from local community groups and organisations, valuable funds towards the target for this year of £10,000 will be raised. The money will help to fund the Changing room Counselling service (Call 075 9125 7737) run at St Augustine’s church in partnership with a local professional counsellor, as well as other activities supporting recovery for people with poor mental health. David commented: “I am thrilled that the Cycle Challenge for Mental Health is taking place. Knowing the money we raise will be national and local issues.
Another highlight for the month, was announcing the winner of Cannock Chase’s nomination for the Parliamentary Pub of the Year 2018. Over the Summer I ran a competition to find the most popular pub in Cannock Chase to enter into this national competition. The Rusty Barrel, at the Fernwood Drive Shopping Complex here in Rugeley, received the most votes from local residents and will now go on to compete with pubs from across the country. A big well done to Darren Porter who owns and runs this micro-pub. If you have not yet visited the Rusty Barrel, it is well worth a visit!
More recently, I have launched my annual “Best Retailers of Cannock Chase” 2018 competition. The competition, which is in its fifth year, aims to find the best independent shops, market stalls and cafés/restaurants in Rugeley, Hednesford and Cannock. You can vote for your favourite shop, market stall and café/restaurant in Rugeley until 26th November
used to improve the lives of vulnerable people throughout the community is the best part of all. This event has been organised because I really believe there is a desperate need for support in this area of health care. Mental health services have been centralised away from Rugeley and people are often too unwell to get on a bus and go to Cannock for help. “The church exists to bring people together, to remind us all of the ties that bring us together and to provide an opportunity for members of our wonderful communities to give something back. All the best things happen when we work in partnership. We can do a lot when we come together.” and the business with the most votes in each category will be crowned the winner. There is also an overall winner which is the business which receives the most votes in any category. Last year’s winners in Rugeley were Made With Love Tea Rooms, Lachmere and Meat to Please You. The overall winner, who got the most votes across Cannock Chase, was Rugeley’s Lachmere. Winners will be announced on Small Business Saturday, taking place on 1st December 2018. Go to www.bestchasebusiness.co.uk to find out more about the competition, the categories and importantly to vote. This competition is always fiercely fought and just a handful of votes can make the difference – so get voting for your favourites now!
The House is sitting once again, so I am back in Westminster during the week, but have plenty of things lined up in the constituency on Fridays and over the weekends over the Autumn. As always, if you need my help with any issues or problems, please contact me on 01543 877142 or email amanda.milling.mp@parliament.uk.
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Dick Whittington Advertising Feature
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et ready for lots of singing, dancing, Christmas fun and silly antics in Dick Whittington which runs from Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 December at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock. Dame Sally the Cook will be played by returning favourite Keith De’ Winter. Keith, who has starred in two Star Wars films, always makes time to return to Cannock at Christmas and he can’t wait to meet this year’s audiences. Joining Keith and the rest of the cast on stage will be local West Midlands comedian, Lee Goode. It will be Lee’s first time treading the boards here in Cannock and he is looking forward to showcasing his comedic talents and joining in the festivities. Last year’s pantomime, Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs had all the trimmings you would expect from a Christmas pantomime, great reviews and sell out performances and the Prince of Wales Theatre are looking forward to building on that success There are two performances of Dick Whittington on most days between Saturday 22 and Sunday 30 December. A concessionary ticket is £15, an adult ticket £18 and a family ticket for four is just £60. For more information or to book tickets, call the box office on 01543 578762 or visit panto@princeofwales.live.
How to Tell if You've Gotten Hacked By Neil Fletcher
Being hacked is the single biggest fear of most computer users. Many believe the first sign of strange behavior or errors on their PC is a sign hackers have taken control. But are hackers really inside your machine, stealing your information? Or should we be on the lookout for more subtle signs? What does being hacked really look like? There is an important distinction to make between being hacked by a person and being infected with a virus or malware. Virus software and malware are automated processes designed to damage your system, steal your data, or both. There are of course ways that we can defeat these processes, but what if we are instead hacked by an individual? Logins not working One of the first steps a hacker might take would be to change the computers passwords. By doing so, not only do they ensure future access to the account, they prevent you from accessing the system to stop them. For the hacker, this is a crucial step that keeps them in control. With this in mind, we always want to make sure to keep on top of our own login details and how often we change them.
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Security Emails or SMSs from online services Many services track which device and location you logged into your account from last. If your account is accessed from a new device or a different country it might trigger an automated email or SMS to ask if this new login is your own. If you have logged in using a new computer, tablet, or phone; an email that asks "hey, is this you?" need not be cause for alarm. If you haven't, it may be time to investigate further. This service is an important part of information security. It may be a key first step to identify someone else gaining access to your account. Bank accounts missing money or strange transactions Most commonly today, hackers commit crimes to steal money. The end goal for hackers is typically to profit from their crimes by taking money from people online. It always pays to keep a regular eye on your financial transactions to make sure you know what money is coming and going from your account. You may see a large sum missing where hackers have attempted to take as much as they can in a single transaction. Alternatively small, hard to notice transactions may appear. These often account for small purchases where attackers have tested the details they have to make sure they work. Sudden loss of cellular connectivity
Network interruption is a symptom that few people expect but occurs commonly when hackers attack. Many banks and online services use a security feature known as Two-factor authentication. To do this they send a short code to your phone or app when you log in. Two-factor authentication is ideal in most cases and a great boost to security. Hackers can try to work around this by calling your mobile service provider to report your phone as lost or stolen. During this call, they will request your phone number be transferred to a new sim card that they control. When your bank sends its regular two-factor authentication code to the number registered, it goes instead to the hacker who may be able to log in. From your perspective phone service will simply stop working. Keeping vigilant and maintaining security These are only some of the modern techniques that hackers can try to use to gain access to your accounts. It pays to be extra vigilant and pay close attention to the signs and signals that indicate you may have been hacked. If you suspect that you might have been hacked, or would like help to prevent hackers in future, give us a call at 01889 579990 and we'll improve your security.
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Cannock Women’s Institute
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By Jill Gooch
ur recent meeting took us into the world of birds: as our speaker Kevin Reynolds talked about our ingrained perceptions and how we react to different birds. Kevin explained how we can judge Magpies unfairly as a symbol of impending doom - as in ‘one for sorrow’; or see them as thieves of shiny items or responsible for decline of the songbird - all unfounded notions. They are in fact monogamous, highly intelligent, and very ‘nest proud’! Kevin compared them to the Robin, a bird people love for its appealing red breast that’s often seen adorning Christmas cards. The Robin is considered to be the friend of the gardener but is in fact aggressive and territorial. Kevin concluded by asking us to consider the facts before making a judgement; as this
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change our may perspective. This could also be related to jumping to conclusions about people: stop, think, and make an informed decision! The vote of thanks was given by Sheila. The winner of the bird photographic competition
was Linda; and the raffle was won by Eileen. President Helen reminded members that Cannock W.I. would be hosting the Heathside Group W.I. Meeting (which includes Cannock, Shareshill and Hayes Green W.I.s) on 25th October at 7pm St Luke’s Church Centre, when the entertainment would be provided by Michael James. Tickets are £2.50, and anyone is welcome to attend. Our W.I. meetings are on the second Thursday of the month 10.30am at St Luke’s Church Centre, Cannock. Visitors are always welcome to come and join us for refreshments and a chat, to see if they would like to join the W.I. Cannock Women’s Institute Further information from The President on 01889 582632 and www.thewi.org.uk/staffordshire www.facebook.com/oakleafstlukes
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Looking for a Forever Home By Rugeley Welfare for Dogs
ugeley Welfare for Dogs have received a £1,000 donation from GMB (Britain’s General Union) R75. Steve Hyden who is Branch Secretary of GMB (Britain’s General Union) R75 commented: “When Ruth and Pauline approached us last year to see if we could help with some costs in running Rugeley Welfare For Dogs, we knew that they give their time voluntarily and have helped re-home many dogs over the last 10 years. When I put it to the branch committee it was passed within seconds. We are all dog lovers and knowing the work Ruth and Pauline do fundraising all year round to support our canine friends it was the least we could do. “Having had first-hand experiences of taking on a rescue dog, people like Ruth and Pauline with their experience are able to give advice on the things you may not be aware of, and this was very important to me and my wife. “Our dog (Charlie) was kept in a cage and when he was rescued a picture was sent to us from Ruth and a call telling us all about him. This sums up what Rugeley Welfare for Dogs is all about. Now Charlie is a happy dog and loves being part of a family - all thanks to Ruth and Pauline and the work they do with Rugeley Welfare for Dogs. “GMB members have donated and supported many charities. This is another charity that deserves some support as a reward for the work they do.” Rugeley Welfare for Dogs are dedicated to re-homing dogs that are looking for their forever home. Pauline and Ruth of Rugeley Welfare for Dogs are currently looking to find Bella and Skip loving new homes. They told Citylife: “Bella is a three year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier, who is chipped, spayed and fully vaccinated. She is fine with other dogs and children and is a very lovely dog. “Skip is a nine year old male collie who has been neutered and is great with children. He is fine with other dogs and cats and loves to go for walks, play ball and have cuddles!” To find out how you could help support Rugeley Welfare for Dogs, for more information, or if you could think you could offer a new home to a dog in need of re-homing, please call Ruth on 07900 090993 or Pauline on 07971 817877. Alternatively visit facebook.com/rugeleydogswelfare. Please note that a home check and a donation will be required.
Whats on at your Local Church November 2018
Wednesdays 7th & 21st 7pm Recovery Network. St. Augustine’s. Saturday 13th 7pm Adam’s return Film Night with takeaway “The Work” St. Augustine’s Church Hall. Sunday 25th 4pm Parish Evensong. St. Augustine’s.
St. Augustine’s Tuesdays 9.30am - 12.30pm Coffee ’n’ Craft. 26
John Scott, GMB Branch President presenting the cheque
Sunday 4th 4pm Annual Memorial Service. Sunday 11th 9.15am Remembrance Sunday Service. 10.30am Parade to War Memorial for 11am.
St. Michael’s Thursday 1st 7.30pm Annual Memorial Service. Sunday 11th 9.15am Remembrance Sunday Communion Service. 10.30am
Parade to War Memorial for 11am. Saturday 24th 12 noon - 3pm Christmas Market. Refreshments available.
Church of the Holy Spirit, Etching Hill Mondays 11am - 12.30pm Monday Club www.brateamministry.org/communityengagement. Saturday 3rd 10.30am - 2pm Craft Fair.
St. John’s, Slitting Mill Sunday 4th 9am Annual Memorial Service. Wednesday 7th 10.30am-12 noon Coffee Morning.
St. Michael’s Monthly Events (Please check in church for any changes to dates) 1st Mon 7.30pm Beetle Drive 12 easy-to-play games for £2 (£1 for children). £1 raffle ticket including tea, coffee and biscuits. 3rd Mon 7.30pm Bingo £1.50 entry and 50p for a book of 8 games. £1 raffle ticket. Includes tea, coffee and biscuits. 3rd Wed 12 noon Lunch Bunch Raffle. Donations welcome.
St. John’s Coffee Morning First Wednesday of each month: 10.30am to 12 noon. All welcome to this social, community event, which is very popular. £2.50 including tea/coffee and a variety of delicious homemade cakes. There is usually a bric-a-brac stall and Raffle, and sometimes a card stall. Books are always on sale.
J HOWELL & DAUGHTERS FUNERAL DIRECTORS LICHFIELD
LICHFIELD’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED INDEPENDENT, FAMILY RUN FUNERAL DIRECTORS. SECOND GENERATION BUSINESS HERE TO ASSIST YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. 24 hours a day
We are proud to be Lichfield's longest established family run funeral directors offering a wide range of choices to suit all requirements. Horse drawn hearse, non religious ceremonies, floral tributes and memorials are but a few of the services we offer. Pre-paid funeral plans are also available.
For a truly personal service please call 01543 255776
Private Chapel of Rest 116 Netherstowe, Lichfield, Staffs. WS13 6TS
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Advertising Feature
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Celebrating 40 Years of Family Eye Care
services. Additionally all our practices now offer the NHS funded minor eye conditions service. “We will be celebrating our 40th year with a whole range of eye related activities and supporting our charities Vision Aid Overseas and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.” To keep in touch, like Colin Lee Opticians on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.colinlee-opticians.co.uk for more details.
n October 1978 Colin and Linda Lee opened their first opticians’ practice in Stone Cross, Birmingham. The practice was a great success and they soon opened another practice in Rugeley, where they were joined by Linda’s brother Clive Marchant who is now managing director. The group has grown to seven practices covering Birmingham and Staffordshire.
Colin Lee commented: “Linda and I are incredibly proud to reach this milestone in our company. Over the years we have always tried to deliver the best possible service while still providing excellent value for money. Optics has changed enormously over the years - in the beginning we didn’t even have computers and now we have the latest technology to scan the eye and detect any problems early! “We have gone from just performing eye tests and supplying specs, to contact lenses, dry eye clinics, low vision, orthoptics and hearing
Rugeley & District Lions Club News
Fashion Show Following our successful Fashion Show last June held at St. Josephs Community Centre we are organising another at the same venue on 14th November. For further details and to order tickets, phone Lion Deb Coburn on 07970380746 or e-mail us on randdlions@hotmail.com. Christmas Float The Club, together with Rugeley Rotary Club, have now set out the timetable for our Christmas Float. We will be starting at 6.15pm and finishing at 9.00pm each evening. Dates and timings, at this stage, are dependent on Councils’ permission, road works and weather conditions. We would still welcome some more volunteers to help us complete our heavy schedule within the time limits. If you would like to be involved then please contact us via Rugeley Rotary or Rugeley Lions Facebooks or e-mail us at randdlions@hotmail.com Annual Toy Appeal Rugeley & District Lions Club will be holding their 5th Toy Collection for children who normally receive nothing at Christmas.
By Peter Fielding
Charity of the Year Members of Rugeley and District Lions Club recently attended a MASE Meeting at St. Joseph’s Community Centre to present a cheque for £1000 to help their meetings in Rugeley. This group were our Charity of the Year last year. After the presentation the members joined in with the entertainment and a good night was had by all. Our new Charity of the Year is The Stan Bowley Trust – a local charity raising funds for CyberKnife Cancer Radiotherapy treatment in partnership with Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Further details can be found at www.thestanbowleytrust.org A percentage of our net charity funds raised between 1st July 2018 and 30th June 2019 will be donated to this worthy cause. Macmillan Coffee Morning Lion Jane Stevenson recently hosted a MacMillan Coffee Morning raising in excess of £200. A most satisfactory outcome for her hard work.
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Last year 750 toys were donated by the generous people of Rugeley. Toys in new or unused condition (this can include unwanted gifts as long as they are unused) can be donated to drop off points from Monday 19th November to Sunday 16th December 2018. The drop off points in Rugeley will be Gymophobics, Tesco and St. Joseph’s Community Centre. The Toy Collection idea was introduced to Rugeley by the current President of Rugeley & District Lions, Debra Coburn, and since its introduction has gone from strength to strength. Last year Cannock Lions introduced a similar Toy Collection to their area with equal success. For more details please ring Debra Coburn on 07970380746 or e-mail the Lions at the above address. If you wish to see how and what we do in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact us using the above contacts.
Members of Rugeley & District Lions Club presenting the cheque for £1000 to MASE at their monthly get together.
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£89.99
£10.99 Leather necklaces available from Gifts from the H rt
18V Cordless Multi Tool, with 2 x 2.0Ah Li-Ion batteries, quick release for tool-less blade change, sanding sheets & accessories included - available from Tippers.
Range of leather bracelets - available from Gifts from the H rt
£8.99
Variety of boxed pen sets available from Gifts from the H rt
£29.99
£7.99
115mm Angle Grinder, 720W & side handle with disc spanner stored in the handle - available from Tippers.
Perfect Christmas Gifts Just For Him
Stuck for the perfect Christmas gift for the man in your life? We present here a little inspiration… £100 £29.99
Franklin Mint Cutty Sark Commemorative Pocket Watch, £100 - available from MW Jewellery & Repairs.
£39.95
Silverline Orbital car polisher with twin density foam pad - available from Webb's Hardware.
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£35 32 piece Rolson combinination spanner set available from Webb's Hardware.
1940s Bakelite and leather travel set - available at Decodance.
Hard disk upgrades to Solid State (SSD) from £100 including Data Transfer available from Click IT.
Razer E-Blue.gaming mouse, - available from Click IT.
£42
£100
£105
£8.50
Corsair Gaming Mechanical Keyboard.Strafe RGB, £105 available from Click IT.
Boxed Pyramid handkerchiefs - available from Nib Nabs Menswear.
£9.99 Tie pins, various designs, boxed, £10 and Lambretta tie pin £12.99 - available from Nib Nabs Menswear. Range of cufflinks available from Nib Nabs Menswear.
£75
French Art Deco Modernist desk set available from Decodance
£100 Stockists: Gifts from the H rt, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. MW Jewellery and Repairs, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley, WS15 2DY. Click It, 11 Brook Square, Rugeley,WS15
£12.99
£45 Napoleon 11 desk piece circa 1860 - available at Decodance.
Ingersoll Gems Watch. Gold plated with stainless steel bracelet, £100 – available from MW Jewellery and Repairs
£45 2DU Nib Nabs Menswear, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley WS15 2DY. Webb's Hardware, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley WS15 2DY. Decodance, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley WS15 2DY.
Variety of boxed scarf sets available from Gifts from the H rt
1930s Art Deco horse on marble base available at Decodance.
MW Jewellery and Repairs, Brewery Street Shopping Centre, Brewery Street, Rugeley WS15 2DY. Tippers, Power Station Road, Rugeley WS15 1LX.
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Mercy and Honour – A Wartime Tale Comes to Light
Dennis Hughes and his wife Mary
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FASCINATING archive charting the life of a heroic Navy sailor during and after World War Two has come to light at Lichfield’s auction house – Richard Winterton Auctioneers.
Dennis Frank Hughes served in the Royal Navy with distinction during WW2 and went on to enjoy a decorated 27-year service in Staffordshire and West Midlands Police, rising to become a detective constable; but one of the defining moments of his life occurred in May 1944 in the treacherous seas of the Ionian coast.
Mr Hughes’ medal group consists of 193945, Atlantic, Africa and Italy Stars, M.I.D. Emblem on Africa Star, Defence and War Medal, together with his Police Long Service/Good Conduct medal, the Malta Commemorative Medal and Medallion for Crete. The archive went under the hammer on Monday, October 1st at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park.
Mr Hughes was a leading seaman gunner on the T Class destroyer HMS Termagant when the German submarine U-453 was spotted off the coast of Calabria, southern Italy. The Termagant, aided by HMS Tenacious and HMS Liddesdale, sank the submarine but the three destroyers rallied to rescue the sub’s crew. Mr Hughes bravely pulled aboard a German sailor by the name of Hans Baumers who, along with his shipmates, was then transferred to prisonerof-war camps via the port of Taranto.
Described in his Navy papers as a sheet metal worker from Wednesbury, in the Black Country, Hughes joined the Navy as a boy in 1938. After various postings, he served on the ill-fated HMS Hood for a month but was transferred to another vessel shortly after the outbreak of war in September 1939. Hood went on to be sunk by the German navy in May 1941 leaving just three survivors, 1,418 men perished in the sinking.
It was not until long after hostilities ended that Mr Hughes saw an advertisement in a magazine which, incredibly, was from the Uboat survivors thanking their rescuers and inviting them to visit Germany. During the trip, from September 25th to 28th in 1987, the British visitors were presented with bronze plaques of the submarine. At the time, Mr Hughes said: “It is nice that after all the suffering of the war we are all the best of friends.”
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Hans Baumers Mr Hughes and his wife Mary spent four days on the Traben-Trarbach on the River Moselle with the U-453 veterans and Hughes and Herr Baumers became lifelong friends, making regular trips to see each other for reunions. Friends in Germany paid tribute when Mr Hughes passed away in 2002 aged 81.
The archive includes the bronze plaque, Mr Hughes’ medals, formal photographs and others taken during reunions, an original framed Mentioned in Despatches certificate dated 1945 and a vast amount of paperwork in both English and German recounting first-hand accounts of the sinking of U-453 on May 21 1944.
Nick Thompson, medals and militaria valuer at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, commented: “Mr Hughes’s story is made more significant because of his humane actions in the Second World War. “U-453 was one of the few sunken German submarines where the crew of 43 men all got off alive. They were taken prisoner but they survived – they owed their lives to the ship that picked them up.” The archive’s historical significance is strengthened further by a glazed frame containing a parchment style coloured scroll relating to the WW1 service of Mr Hughes’ father, Private Frank Hughes, who was from the Ocker Hill/Toll End area of Tipton, West Midlands, and served with the 1st Battalion Suffolk Regiment from September 8th 1914 until his demobilisation in March 1919.
Nick Thompson carries out free valuations of medal and militaria items at The Lichfield Auction Centre from 9.30am until noon every Tuesday.
Philip Bridge carries out free valuations of coins and banknotes at the same location between 9am and 12 noon every Tuesday.
Visit www.richardwinterton.co.uk, call 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.
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MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTORS WANTED
Earn extra money delivering magazines in various areas. Must be over 16
Call Marie 07548 682576
Competition and Prize Draw Terms and Conditions 1.Entrant’s details will be held and processed in line with Citylife in Lichfield Ltd’s Privacy Policy, which in turn adheres to GDPR Data Protection legislation. For a copy of our Privacy Policy please email josscitylife@gmail.com 2.By entering the prize draw/competition, you agree to the terms and conditions stated. 3.The closing date is stated on each individual prize draw or competition. 4.Entrants’ details will be securely held by Citylife in Lichfield Ltd in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Details will be held only until the closing date of the competition. After this date entrants’ details will be securely destroyed/deleted. Winners’ contact details will be securely stored only until the winner has been informed of their win/prize. After this details will be securely deleted/destroyed. 5.Entrants’ details will never be shared with any third party. The only exception to this is the name (and if the prize is to be posted) address of Competition/Prize Draw winners that will be communicated to the competition partner to allow winners to securely claim their prize, after which all details will be securely destroyed. The initial and surname of winners will be printed in our magazines – no other details will be published. 6.By entering the competition/prize draw, entrants agree to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd using or publishing materials provided by the entrants (but not address or contact details apart from initial and surname) in any of their publications and online. 7.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any breach of copyright or breach of
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any other legislation entailed by entrants in their creation or submission of materials. 8.Only one entry per prize draw/competition, per reader. 9.Except in the case of cash prizes, no cash equivalent will be offered and the prize is non-transferable. 10.All prizes are subject to availability and the prize suppliers' terms and conditions. 11.No purchase necessary. 12.Prize draws and competitions are only open to UK residents aged 18 years or over (unless otherwise stated). 13.Competitions and prize draws may not be entered by any employee of individual associated with any employee, agent or third party of Citylife in Lichfield Ltd. 14.Winners will be selected at random in the case of applicable prize draws and competitions, or by an independent judge in the case of photographic/art competitions from all entries received. 15.Winners will be notified by Citylife in Lichfield up to 28 days after the closing date of the competition/prize draw by the contact details provided by the entrant. 16.A list of the surnames and county of residence of the winners will be available by writing to Citylife in Lichfield Ltd no earlier than six weeks after the competition closing date. 17.When the prize draw/competition winner has been selected, this decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
18.Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for the prize being lost, damaged or delayed in transit. When the prize is provided by a third party, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd accepts no responsibility for any change to the prize, or for the quality of the prize provided. 19.Competitions may be amended or withdrawn at any time. 20.By entering the competition or prize draw, you agree to having your name, (photograph, where stated) and city or county of residence published in any of Citylife in Lichfield’s publications and online. 21.Unless otherwise stated, the promoter is Citylife in Lichfield Ltd, PO Box 7126, Lichfield, WS14 4JS. 22. Citylife in Lichfield Ltd do not express any warranty or endorsement of any competition prize, information, service or product provided in connection with a competition by printing or otherwise publicising any competition. 23.To the full extent of the law, Citylife in Lichfield Ltd shall not be liable for any loss, claim, punitive, indirect, incidental or consequential damages of any kind incurred as a result of entering this prize draw or competition. 24.By submitting photos, text or artworks as part of competition/prize draw entries you agree that you own these photos text or artworks, that it is your original work to which you own all rights to distribute, and that your entry is accurate, moral and legal.
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